*'''International Hiking Rally'''&mdash; Occuring annually in September, this hiking rally covers four routes in the mountains around Davos, with stamps for the number of kilometres walked and coveted medals.

*'''International Hiking Rally'''&mdash; Occuring annually in September, this hiking rally covers four routes in the mountains around Davos, with stamps for the number of kilometres walked and coveted medals.

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* <do name="Ice Hockey" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></do>* <do name="" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Davos is the birthplace of the famous Hockey Club HCD. HCD is the record holder in the Spengler Cup and one of the most successful teams in Switzerland. It is a good idea to visit the Vaillant Arena, enjoy a dinner there and watch HCD play.</do>

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* <do name="Ice Hockey" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Davos is the birthplace of the famous Hockey Club HCD. HCD is the record holder in the Spengler Cup and one of the most successful teams in Switzerland. It is a good idea to visit the Vaillant Arena, enjoy a dinner there and watch HCD play. </do>* <do name="" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Davos is the birthplace of the famous Hockey Club HCD. HCD is the record holder in the Spengler Cup and one of the most successful teams in Switzerland. It is a good idea to visit the Vaillant Arena, enjoy a dinner there and watch HCD play.</do>

Davos is internationally recognised as the largest resort in the Alps for mountain holidays and a top travel destination. Ski and snow activities are a must do in the winter, and at altitudes between 1124 and 2844 m, guests will find 54 ski lifts, 320 km of slopes, 75 km of cross-country ski tracks, two artificial ice-skating rinks and Europe’s largest natural ice rink for people to skate or to curl. And no fewer than five sledging runs to have fun on! For skiing fanatics, the mecca is the Parsenn and Weissfluhjoch area which connects up with the neighbouring resort of Klosters. The Jakobshorn, on the other hand, is the in place for snowboarders, with its half-pipe and monster pipe. For a quieter time, take a ride by horse-drawn sledge into the snowy side valleys, or experience the Davos mountains from 84 km of beautifully prepared winter footpaths and snow-shoe trails.

Davos is internationally recognised as the largest resort in the Alps for mountain holidays and a top travel destination. Ski and snow activities are a must do in the winter, and at altitudes between 1124 and 2844 m, guests will find 54 ski lifts, 320 km of slopes, 75 km of cross-country ski tracks, two artificial ice-skating rinks and Europe’s largest natural ice rink for people to skate or to curl. And no fewer than five sledging runs to have fun on! For skiing fanatics, the mecca is the Parsenn and Weissfluhjoch area which connects up with the neighbouring resort of Klosters. The Jakobshorn, on the other hand, is the in place for snowboarders, with its half-pipe and monster pipe. For a quieter time, take a ride by horse-drawn sledge into the snowy side valleys, or experience the Davos mountains from 84 km of beautifully prepared winter footpaths and snow-shoe trails.

Revision as of 08:50, 10 August 2011

Davos, Switzerland

Davos[5] is a winter and summer resort village located in the heart of the Graubünden in the east of Switzerland.

In the early 90's, Davos became famous for hosting the World Economic Forum, an annual winter gathering of international politicians and financiers who represented a transnational elite.

Together with the nearby town of Klosters, Davos offers a wide variety of winter sports activities, and summer hiking trails, set amid stunning Alpine scenery.

Contents

Get in

Davos is accessible by train, bus or car. The nearest commercial airport with scheduled airline service is Zurich.

By train

It takes nearly 3 hours to reach Davos by train from Zurich. There are train connections
from Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Davos every hour between 6AM and 11PM. You can check
timetables and other information on the official Swiss Federal Railways website.

Fares to Klosters (one stop nearer to Zurich) are cheaper at CHF 96 return in second class. The train journey between Klosters Dorf and Davos Platz, stopping at Klosters Platz and Davos Dorf on the way, takes just under half an hour. It is free for tourists with the inclusive Davos/Klosters visitor card (Gästekarte).

Air travellers may also take advantage of the Fly & Rail baggage service where baggage may be deposited, after clearing customs in Zurich, at the railway counter in the station for direct transfer to Klosters and Davos. Using this service saves the passenger the trouble of carrying luggage when changing trains at Zurich’s Main Station and Landquart. The Fly & Rail rate for luggage is CHF 20.00 (US$ 15.00) per item.

By bus

Buses from Chur to Davos run daily. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.

During the ski season, buses travel from Zurich airport to Davos Dorf or Davos Platz every Saturday and return from Davos Dorf or Platz to the airport every Saturday in December through April. The trip takes approximately 2 hours, with a pickup at the train stations three times daily.

By car

It will take about 2 hours (160 kilometres/103 miles) to get to Davos by car from Zurich.
From Zurich-Kloten Airport: take A51 to Zurich and look for the road signs to Chur
(Expressway A), take Exit “Landquart-Davos” and follow road signs to Davos.

Get around

The municipal bus system is very convenient, traversing from one end of the Promenade to the other. Davos is only around 3 or 4 km long and about 1 km wide, so it is easy to get anywhere by bus or a short walk. Cabs are also available, but run about 12-15 CHF during the day and double that at night. You should ask Gästekarte from your hotel or from the tourist office. With the Gästekarte almost all local buses, local trains and lifts are free!

See

Ariel View of Davos, Switzerland

Kirchner Museum Davos, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner Platz, ☎+41 81 410 63 00 (fax: +41 81 410 63 01), [1]. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Established in honor of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, the German Expressionist painter. Opened in 1992, it is home to the world's largest collection of the artist's work. The museum building was designed by the Zürich architects Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer. It attracts great attention in architectural circles.Adults: CHF 10, Senior Citizen: CHF 8, Children and Students CHF 5, Groups (10+): CHF 8.

Zügenschlucht - Gaze upon a romantic gorge that has a spectacular railway line and a mining museum at the Schmelzboden at 1340 m. While you're there, explore the Geology Trail between Davos-Monstein and Wiesen.

Lose yourself in the The Schatzalp (1861m), an alpine botanical garden that has such stunning scenery, it inspired German author Thomas Mann to write his novel “The Magic Mountain”, published in 1924. It contains around 800 different species of plants from all over the world and is truly impressive in June and July, when flowers are in bloom.

Sertigta - It's unique natural beauty and mountain scenery make for an unforgettable alpine experience. Unleash your romantic side and go for a ride by horse-drawn carriage or sledge.

Vaillant Arena in Davos is one of the most beautiful hockey stadiums in the world. It can hold up to 7,700 people. Every year a number of exciting events take place there. Some of the most important ones are the Spengler Cup and the Ice Gala.

Do

On the slopes at Jakobskorn

Bier Vision Monstein (Monstein Brewery), ☎+41(0) 81 420 3060, [3]. Have a drink atop the highest brewery in Europe. Take a class and learn about the finer points of beer making. Guided tours are available and tastings are worthwhile. Every Friday from 4PM-7PM, you can purchase beer directly from the brewery.

O’Neill SB-JAM Davos— This freestyle snowboarding event takes place every year in Davos, with the qualifying rounds open to everyone (December/January).

Young Artists in Concert— Occuring in July and August, this concert is where young musicians from all over the world perform as soloists or in chamber groups at the Davos Conference Centre, in the Kirchner Museum and in various churches.

International Hiking Rally— Occuring annually in September, this hiking rally covers four routes in the mountains around Davos, with stamps for the number of kilometres walked and coveted medals.

Ice Hockey. Davos is the birthplace of the famous Hockey Club HCD. HCD is the record holder in the Spengler Cup and one of the most successful teams in Switzerland. It is a good idea to visit the Vaillant Arena, enjoy a dinner there and watch HCD play. * Davos is the birthplace of the famous Hockey Club HCD. HCD is the record holder in the Spengler Cup and one of the most successful teams in Switzerland. It is a good idea to visit the Vaillant Arena, enjoy a dinner there and watch HCD play.

Davos is internationally recognised as the largest resort in the Alps for mountain holidays and a top travel destination. Ski and snow activities are a must do in the winter, and at altitudes between 1124 and 2844 m, guests will find 54 ski lifts, 320 km of slopes, 75 km of cross-country ski tracks, two artificial ice-skating rinks and Europe’s largest natural ice rink for people to skate or to curl. And no fewer than five sledging runs to have fun on! For skiing fanatics, the mecca is the Parsenn and Weissfluhjoch area which connects up with the neighbouring resort of Klosters. The Jakobshorn, on the other hand, is the in place for snowboarders, with its half-pipe and monster pipe. For a quieter time, take a ride by horse-drawn sledge into the snowy side valleys, or experience the Davos mountains from 84 km of beautifully prepared winter footpaths and snow-shoe trails.

In the summer, the cable-cars on the Jakobshorn (2590 m), Parsenn including the Weissfluhjoch und -gipfel (2844 m), Pischa (2483 m), Rinerhorn (2490 m) and Schatzalp/Strela provide access to four hiking areas with a total of 450 km of marked footpaths. Anyone seeking rest and relaxation amid unspoilt nature should head off on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage up the romantic side valleys of Sertig, Dischma or Flüela. For a change of scene, visit the Davos Lake with its swimming area and a sailing and surfing centre. In addition, there are opportunities for hang-gliding and paragliding and mountain bike and inline skating routes. Davos is also the starting point for excursions on the famous Glacier Express, and the Heidi and Bernina Express trains.

Nearby Klosters offers access to the Madrisa and Gotschna peaks in both summer and winter, and a similar variety of walking trails and pistes, depending on the season.

Buy

You will be surprised by the huge variety of shops located along the main thoroughfare. There you will find trendy sports shops, fashion boutiques, antique and book shops, gift and souvenir shops, gourmet shops with Graubünden specialities.
A big department store (Migros) is located at each end of Davos (Davos Platz and Davos Dorf). There is a Denner near the station.

Trauffer Souvenirs, 7270 Davos Platz, ☎+41 (0) 81 413 5578. If you are determined not to leave Davos with out a souvenir or a gift for the folks at home, Traufer's a must. It is one of the few, if not the only, place to find souvenirs in Davos.

Eat

Cheese fondue

Restaurant/Bistro Gentiana, Promenade 53, Tel: +41-081-413-5649. Small restaurant on the main thoroughfare of Davos. Short walk from many of the hotels. Specializes in local cuisine (fondues and regional dishes). Food is interesting and well presented. The ambience is that of a small cafe with attentive staff. Thoroughly enjoyable and moderately priced (approximately 160 swiss frances for dinner for two with wine).

Der Pate[6] Bahnhofstrasse 6, 7260 Davos Dorf, Tel: +41 81 416 42 44. Understated and good value pizzeria and pasta restaurant sited next to the end of the platform at Davos Dorf station. "Der Pate" means "the Godfather", so don't be surprised by the Marlon Brando film posters.

Arabella Sheraton Hotel Waldhuus, Dagmar Weber, Dir, Mattastr. 58, 7270 Davos Platz, tel 081 417 93 33. Indulge in some high-class Swiss cuisine made with fresh local products. The Matta-Bar inside the restaurant is an intimate bar with a fire place where you can relax and unwind to the sounds of piano music.

Restaurant Walserhuus Sertig, 7272 Davos Sertig, tel +41 410 6030. Reservations are needed at this popular restaurant in the heart of Sertig Valley, reachable by a 15 minute scenic bus ride. The family run staff make you feel as if you're at home, with hearty and comforting food such as venison and delicious pasta dishes.

Restaurant Pöstli, In the Morosani Posthotel, at Postplatz, Davos-Platz, tel 081/413-74-74. Serving tasty platters of fresh seafood and well prepared meat, or choose from a fine selection of menu choices such as venison, beef or lamb. In winter, they usually offers live music from 5 to 5:30PM and from 8:30PM until closing time. In summer, live music begins at 6PM and lasts until closing.

Central Sporthotel Davos, CH-7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 81 415 82 00. A pleasing atmosphere combines with the excellent service and delicious food. Enjoy an international cuisine with regional influences and listen to the sounds of an accomplished pianist play popular melodies as you dine, with the music starting at 6PM.

Mann & Co, Waldhotel Davos, Buolstrasse 3, 7270 Davos. It's a culinary experience dining at Mann & Co, already been recognized by the "Gault-Millau" guide and serves exquisite 5 course meals every day. The 5 course meals includes Graubünden classics and more exotic dishes served in a fresh, modern way. The cuisine is accompanied by a sensational wine menu with a selection of 350 wines.

Restaurant 'La Terrasse' Turmhotel Victoria, Alte Fluelastrasse 2, Graubunden, Davos Dorf, tel +41 81 417 5300. Dine in a winter garden delight with fantastic views of the Davos scenery. The food is enjoyable, with a fine selection of meats and fondues and the atmosphere is amiable.

Coop-Restaurant Grischuna, Bahnhofstrasse 1, CH-7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 (0)81 410 01 82. Great food, though limited in variety. Staff all speak English and food is served in a convivial atmosphere.

Bauernstube Sunstar Parkhotel, Parkstrasse 1, 7270, Davos, tel +81 413 1414. Ideal place to relax and unwind in good company until late in the evening. Famed for their fondues, they serve meat and cheese fondues and a selection of local specialties a la carte for dinner every day.

Drink

The apres-ski scene is relatively good- there are lots of bars, discos and nightclubs, and a large casino at the Hotel Europe. However, the nature of the clientele at Davos itself means that the guests are often quieter, the drinks more sophisticated, expensive and sometimes less exciting.

Apres-ski scene

Piano Bar, Promenade 63 7270 Davos Platz, ☎+41 (0)81 413 59 21. The party moves away from the slopes and on to the Piano Bar at the Hotel Europe, for fine cigars, an expansive array of whiskeys and sing along piano music. The default after party spot during the World Economic Forum, where traditional raucous boozing gives way to midnight singing sessions alongside the pianist.

Cabanna Club, Promenade 63, Davos-Platz, Davos, ☎081/4154141. Great place to have a drink and dance to the beat of thumping techno music. The crowd is mainly scenesters and those who like to people watch.

Ex Bar, Promenade 63, Davos-Platz, ☎081/4154141, [4]. Crowded with those wanting a vibey place to listen to live music. The decor is eclectic and kitsch, with a chandelier on the ceiling and a huge stuffed toy reindeer hanging over the door. It frequently stays open later than the official closing time.

Postli Club, Promenade 42, Davos-Dorf, Davos, ☎081/4154500. The Pöstli Club is the place to be and to be seen. Ski bunnies and their admirers head to the high energy dance floor to warm up after hitting the slopes.

Chami Bar, Promenande 83. One of the liveliest bars and popular with locals, you won't be able to miss it with a white bicycle hanging incongruously from the ceiling.

Carigiet Bar, Steigenberger Hotel Belvedere Davos, Promenade 89 Davos Platz CH-7270. The fun continues off the snow at the Carigiet Bar, in the Steigenberger Hotel Belvedere. Replenish your energy from the slopes with delicious cocktails and listen to the musical entertainment that plays each evening.

Fluela, Fluela Swiss Quality Hotel Davos, Bahnhofstrasse 5 Davos-Dorf CH-7260. The bar, complete with live piano music in the evenings, is the perfect place for a cocktail or after dinner drinks.

Klosters

Ski up to Serneuser Schwendi Hütte on the end of red piste 21 and enjoy a lively après-ski scene, no visit to Klosters is complete without at least one drink here. It's easy to spot amongst the piles of falling snow by its aeronautical theme and the little Pilatus plane (Swiss designed and built for flying in the mountains) on its terrace.

Gotschnabar, Gotschnastrasse 21, 7250 Klosters, tel +41 81 410 23 35. Recently renovated, this inviting bar by the base of the gondola station offers a vibey party scene at the downstairs bar, as well as a cosy lounge feel on the top floor. The lounge has a large plate-glass chimney-surround through which you can see the downstairs bar,giving the place a special ambience all of its own.

As the movement on the slopes slows down, the action moves to the hotel bars.

Chesa Grischuna, Bahnhofstrasse 12, 7250 Klosters. Renowned as the most charming and authentic bar in all of Klosters, the Chesa impresses with its rich, cosy chalet interior and drinks acompanied by the twinkling ivories of the piano. Located a few minutes walk from the Gotschabahn cable car and railway station in the centre of Klosters.

Cresta Bar, Hotel Cresta, Landstrasse 170, 7250 Klosters. Made entirely out of wood, the Cresta Bar keeps the party going in the winter until dawn, serving hot drinks and tasty cocktails.

Casa Antica, Landstrasse 176, tel + 41 (0) 81 422 1621. The place to be when the disco kicks in, the Casa Antica has a fun, relaxed atmosphere and is a stylish multi storey converted barn housing a nightclub, a classy piano bar and cocktail bar/restaurant.

Sleep

Promenade in Davos, Switzerland

In Davos there are more than 40 different hotels and other sleeping possibilities. You can find anything from the two five star hotels (the Flüela and the Steigenberger Belvedere) over several holiday homes to a camping place. The prices range from 26 CHF for the camping up to well over 500 CHF per night and per person in one of the five star hotels.
The camping place is about half a kilometre away from the train station Davos Frauenkirch.

Budget

Youthpalace Davos, Horlaubenstr. 27 Davos, Graubnden 7260. A high standard for a youth hostel, Youthpalace Davos is located only a few minutes on foot from the Parsennbahn funicular (accessing vast skiing and hiking areas), and also directly in front of the ski runs and high-altitude hiking trail. All the rooms are equipped with a shower and most of them have a large balcony. Prices from $73 include breakfast and dinner.

Mid-range

Club Hotel, Promenade 23, 7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 (081) 414-9100. This comfortable three star hotel is situated at the calm and sunny end of Davos-Platz, close to centre of the city of Davos and also to the well-known mountain railway Jakobshorn. There is a bus stop directly in front of the hotel. The hotel amenities include a indoor swimming pool, sauna, massage, squash courts, table tennis and an internet corner (free of charge) as well as WLAN in the reception area.

Hotel Bahnhof Terminus, Talstrasse 3, Davos Platz, CH-7270, tel 41 (0)81 414 97 97. Close to the Congree Center, the Best Western Hotel Bahnhof Terminus is a family orientated hotel that provides guests with stunning alpine views and a close proximity to a variety of outdoor activities including skiing, ice hockey, hiking and golfing. Each room offers cable satellite TV, an iron/ironing board, coffee/tea maker and hairdryer. For added comfort, the hotel features a sauna and steam room and three on-site restaurants.

Hotel Casanna, Alteinstrasse 6 | Davos Platz, Davos 7270, tel +41 81 417 0404. With the owner Mr Phillippe Rusche involved in every aspect from the front desk to the kitchen, there is attention to every detail in this hotel. The breakfast buffet is convenient and provides plenty of options, while the rooms are small, but comfortable, with fresh, clean linens.

Hotel Cresta, Talstrasse 57, Davos 7270, tel + 81 41 1616. Prime position only being a 12 minute walk to the railway station, and within a few minutes to the Congress Center and the “Promenade”, Davos’ popular street for shopping and entertainment. All double standard rooms have mountain views and are equipped with cable TV, radios, wi fi access, a mini bar and a safe. Staff are multi-lingual in this family run hotel, providing a plesant and comfortable stay.

Hotel Ochsen, Talstrasse 10, 7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 (0)81 417 67 77. This three star hotel offers a total of 98 rooms, each containing between one and four beds. All rooms come with shower/WC, TV, telephone and minibar and the hotel has a prime location in the centre of Davos-Platz.

Hotel Sonnenberg, Horlaubenstrasse 13, 7260 Davos, tel +81 417 5900. Great place for some quiet and relaxation, the Hotel Sonnenberg has family sized apartments and a lounging lawn. All rooms come with radios, telephones, TV, mini bar and separate bathrooms.

Hotel Schatzalp, Schatzalp, 7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 (081) 415-5151. Was named the Historic Hotel of the Year for 2008 by Icomos (the International Council on Monuments and Sites). The Schatzalp is built in an Art Nouveau style and the novelist Thomas Mann describes it in the famed “The Magic Mountain”. While the “superior” rooms have a newer décor, many rooms have fittings more than 50 years old; some have original bathrooms, with plumbing from 1900. Be aware that no rooms have television. Prices for double rooms half-board, with large south-facing balcony, from £146.

Kongress Hotel, Promenade 94, CH 7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 (081) 417-1122. Moderately priced hotel immediately adjacent to the Congress Center. Roll out of bed and be at the Congress Center in 3 minutes. Wireless internet available for approx 50 Swiss frances per week. There is a bar and restaurant with breakfast included in the price, and the restaurant has a small but outstanding vegetarian selection. Hotel staff will pick you up at train station without charge.

Sunstar Hotel, Parkstrasse 1,ch-platz, 7270, Davos. Ideally located only a few minutes' walk away from the well-known Davos Promenade, which is a renowned picnic spot, the Davos Platz station and the Jakobshorn railway. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and feature private bathrooms which are fitted with showers and a balcony that offers an excellent view of the outside landscape.

Central Sporthotel, Tobelmühlestrasse 1, CH-7270, ([email protected], fax: +41 (0) 81 415 83 00). Member of Swiss Quality Hotels International. Four star sportshotel with great fitness and wellness area. Only 500m from the railway station away. Single room from 216CHF Double room from 387CHF (prices of february 2009).www.central-davos.ch www.SwissQualityHotels.com

Splurge

Hotel Steigenberger Belvedere

Flüela, Bahnhofstrasse 5, 7260 Davos Dorf, tel +41 (081) 410-1717. This superior 5 star hotel is set in a convenient location and enhanced with service oriented amenites and first class features. It has an intimacy and personal touch that sets it apart from other outstanding hotels, with never more than 130 guests and never less than 90 employees to look after guests. Enjoy a 5-course dinner in the main restaurant; the hotel also has two à la carte restaurants - the rustical “Fluela Stuebli” and the “Zur Fluela Post” - and a bar. The bar, complete with live piano music in the evenings, is the perfect place for a cocktail or after dinner drinks.

Steigenberger Belevedere, Promenade 89, 7270 Davos Dorf, tel +41 (081) 415-6000. The old seamlessly blends in with the new in this hotel which dates back from 1875 and showcases a Belle Epoque style. The service by attentive staff is to be commended, with reports of the manager personally greeting each guest. The hotel excels with unobtrusive elegance, attentive service and perfect hospitality.

Waldhotel Davos, Buolstrasse 3, 7270 Davos Platz, tel +41 (081) 415-1515. Luxury renovated 4-star superior hotel with 50 rooms located at a unique and sunny viewpoint overlooking Davos and its mountains and valleys. Quality, a personal and peaceful atmosphere, the story of ‘The Magic Mountain’ and excellent cuisine all serve to recommend the hotel. SPA area with Davos’ only saltwater pool, a steam grotto, sauna, turkish steam bath and massage. Hotel Website

Get out

If you need a break for perfect skiing locations, or want a change of scenery, hop aboard the Glacier Express "The Slowest Fast Train in the World" and take a ride through Swiss mountains. See the real Matterhorn and enjoy amazing views of the Alps. Tickets start at CHF 73. Alternatively you can take the Bernina Express to Tirano in Italy. This train route have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage site and shows you beautiful landscapes, visits the highest point of Swiss railways and drives trough spiral viaducts.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!